OCLWHi3439Finding aid for the Katz Family Papers and PhotographsFinding aid prepared by M. Alexander KaufmannWestern Reserve Historical Society10825 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 441062018Finding aid encoded by Sean Martin using the OhioLINK EAD Application in 2015Finding aid written in EnglishFinding aid prepared using the Western Reserve Historical Society processing manual
Overview of the Collection
Western Reserve Historical SocietyKatz FamilyKatz Family Papers and Photographs0.40 linear feet (1 container)The Katz family began emigrating to the Cleveland area in the 1880s from their home of Podzelva, Lithuania (then part of the Russian Empire). The Katzes were very active in the Cleveland Jewish community. Aaron Katz and his son Solomon David prepared a "booklet of remembrance" (a history of their family) in 1905. This "booklet", a large ledger with writing in Biblical Hebrew by Cleveland area scribe Yaacov Landy, was updated with the names of family members through 1913. A composite photograph of individual portraits of over one hundred family members (not part of the ledger) was included in "An American Story", the core exhibit of the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, opened in 2005. The collection includes a photocopy of this photograph and a guide to the names of those pictured. The collection consists of the certificate of naturalization of Sam Katz, the Family History, an unusually extensive genealogy, photographs, and a supplement to and translation of the family history.MS 5364The records are in English and Hebrewclosed stacks1900-1992Biography of the Katz Family

The Katz Family, originating in Podzelva, Lithuania (then Russia), emigrated to Cleveland in the 1880s, fleeing persecution and terror. Seventy-five family members were originally recorded on a charter issued by the Governor of Ohio, which does not include in-laws. Including in-laws, over 90 family members emigrated to Cleveland. The Katz family became a well established family in the Cleveland Jewish community.

Aaron Katz and his son Solomon David prepared a "booklet of remembrance" in 1905. This "booklet", a large ledger with writing in Biblical Hebrew by Cleveland area scribe Yaacov Landy, includes relatives from 1905 to 1913. A composite photograph of individual portraits of over one hundred family members was included in "An American Story", the core exhibit of the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, opened in 2005. The collection includes a photocopy of this photograph and a guide to the names of those pictured. Notes from family members indicate that W. A. Klein, an early mayor of Bratenahl and owner of Klein-Hanna Restaurant, was a relative and that the Miller family, owners of Independent Towel Supply Company, were also related.

Scope and Content

The Katz Family Papers and Photographs, 1900-1992 and undated, includes a certificate of naturalization, family history (in Hebrew), genealogy, photographs, and a supplement and translation to the family history.

This collection may be of interest to those researching local history, local Jewish history, and genealogy. Of particular interest is the 1905 family history, written in Hebrew, its translation, and family photographs from the early twentieth century. Those interested in Jewish immigration from Podzelva, Lithuania, may also find the collection of value. The collection offers an example of the importance of genealogy to subsequent generations. Family names represented in the collection include, among many others, Blumenthal, Cali, Katz, Kehr, Keisler, Laidman, Landy, Malevan, Mauer, Stutz, Swerdlow, and Weinberg.

Statement of Arrangement

The collection is arranged alphabetically by document type and then chronologically.